3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in hotels & guesthouses
  • 3 nights in private apartment
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 10 Breakfasts

11 Days£1320GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: JGM

La Gomera Walking Trip highlights

  • Fully immerse in La Gomera’s breathtaking scenery
  • Lush plantations, whitewashed villages, a unique cloud forest & black-sand beaches
  • Free days by the beach
  • Circular island walk, conveniently starting and finishing in capital San Sebastian
  • Easy to get to by ferry from the nearby Canary Island of Tenerife (included)
  • Experience the slow pace of island life from your private apartment
  • Reach the highest peak Alto de Garajonay (1487m), see the other Canary Islands
  • Longer itinerary that includes the beautiful valley of Hermigua

With free days to relax or explore further, plus 3 nights spent in your private apartment, this is our longest itinerary in La Gomera.

The circular walk allows you to fully enjoy this hidden gem of an island and its truly dramatic scenery, all the way from sea level with its exotic banana plantations to the misty ‘forest in the clouds’ that covers the top of the island.

What’s more, it includes a visit to the village of Hermigua, idyllically set in the middle of a ravine, which is covered in both sides by countless terraces.

La Gomera has survived from the frenzy of development seen elsewhere in the Canary Islands and has retained an old-world rural feel, with homesteads, small vineyards and rocky peaks set in an amazing crown of laurel cloud forest.

The island has a relaxed atmosphere and, although you will not come across any hordes of tourists, what you will find is a good infrastructure of roads, amenities and services, as well as a great range of affordable, traditional restaurants and small family-run hotels.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Los Cristianos

Finishing Point:

San Sebastian

Itinerary

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Arrive by ferry at the port of San Sebastian from Los Cristianos, Tenerife (roundtrip included). Your hotel is located approx 15 minutes by foot or a short taxi journey (± €10). Accommodation: Hotel Torre del Conde is our 3* hotel and is situated in the centre of San Sebastian on a bed & breakfast basis. Dinner can be taken in one of the many restaurants in town. There are two beaches within easy reach on foot. Or upgrade and stay in the Parador hotel.

Meals:  Nil

Today you experience a first glimpse of the National Park. You will be collected at 9.00 - 9.30 am and taken to the start point of today’s walk. This is an exceptionally beautiful but strenuous walk through lush sub-tropical vegetation with spectacular views over the Hermigua valley. On the way up the ascents are steep in places but the path is well defined but the beauty of the area rewards the hard work. In roughly 3 hours you reach El Cedro (1000m) and the Bar La Vista for a well-deserved break. In unsettled weather we do not recommend the return route, as there is a very steep and slippery downhill stretch. Instead either return by the route you came up or spend some time exploring the forest and order a taxi from Bar La Vista to take you down to Hermigua. Ascent/Descent 800m. Accommodation: Your accommodation tonight is one of 2 guesthouses in this small village. Hotel Ibo Al Faro or Hotel Villa Hermigua.

Meals:  B

After breakfast you will be picked up and transferred to the exquisitely situated village of Agulo (250m), which looks out to sea cut off from the rest of the island by the shear basalt cliffs rising behind. The walk begins with a steep ascent to bring you after 2 hours to the Visitor’s Centre of Garajonay National Park, (800m) where you can learn about the park and the island in general. Then down to the lunchtime stop at Bar Amalahuigue in Las Rosas or at Roque Blanco. You then continue on to Vallehermoso, for the last two hours downhill with expansive and stunning views over the north west of the island. Ascent 814m / Descent 846m. Accommodation: Vallehermoso - Hotel Rural Triana is an old restored Canarian Villa and is surrounded by tradition and nature.

Meals:  B

Panoramic views of the north coast and the cruel sea. A 4.5 hour strenuous circular walk, with a fairly steep, gravelly descent for which you need to be surefooted and have a head for heights. The alternative is to turn round at roughly the half-way point at the Ermita de Santa Clara viewpoint and retrace your steps back. This is one of the wildest parts of La Gomera where the sea is usually quite rough and there are some dramatic views of waves, rocks and windblown terrain as well as picturesque villages nestled in sheltered valleys below. A different and interesting corner of La Gomera. Ascent/Descent 850m.

Meals:  B

Into the cloud forest. With plenty of water to drink and in winter long trousers and waterproof jackets, you head south from Vallehermoso (300m) up hill towards the centre of the island through lush, terraced farming country, past reservoirs, ever upwards until you enter the forest and the National Park. After lunch, an easy walk with occasional glimpses down to the magnificent Valle Gran Rey. From here you can take the path to El Cercado, home to Gomera’s tiny potteries and onto Chipude and Hotel Sonia at 1100m. Ascent: 871m / Descent 334m. Accommodation: You will be staying two nights at family run Bar/Pension Sonia.

Meals:  B,D

Relax on the west coast. Optional walk via the small town of Gerian with some steep downhill parts to see the biggest and often considered the most beautiful valley in Gomera, Valle Gran Rey, for swimming and sunbathing on its black-sand beaches. Try lunch in a fish restaurant at the port of Vueltas. Bus or taxi back to Chipude. The super energetic can of course walk back! Ascent 72m / Descent 1114m

Meals:  B,D

To the summit and down to the warm south. The steepish uphill walk to the summit of the island, El Alto de Garajonay (1486 m) is completed in 2 hours. Beautiful views on a clear day down into the cloud forest and across to see the islands of Tenerife, E1 Hierro and La Palma and occasionally Gran Canaria; then steeply down into the hidden valley of Imada (800m.) where there is a shop/bar normally open. It is then down into a garden of Eden of palms and canes until you reach Playa de Santiago and the south coast (3 hours from Imada). Ascent 570m / Descent 1500m Accommodation: You will be staying three nights in Apartamentos Bellavista situated on a pedestrian lane in Laguna de Santiago. It is a short walk to the beach, restaurants and shops in the main part of the village. Here you will have your own apartment equipped with food and drink essentials to greet you on arrival. Breakfast is taken in your apartment, ingredients supplied. Choose one of the many local fish restaurants at the beach for dinner in the evening. Don't forget to check out the Restaurante La Cuevita towards the harbour. It is built into a cave. We have chosen to have three nights here as it is the sunniest, warmest part of the island.

Meals:  B

Lounge around Santiago and the beach or explore the hidden beaches to the east of the village. For the restless, take the bus past Alajero and walk to the only dragon tree on the island, El Drago. Then back down to Santiago via the villages of Alajero and Targa. There is plenty to do and see and our local representatives are on hand with suggestions to suit if you wish so.

Meals:  B

After breakfast at your apartment, you will be taken to the start of this final days walk at Pastrana. Another wonderful day with a gentle start but becoming steep uphill until you reach the amazing Roque de Agando (1250m) - Gomera’s biggest basalt volcanic chimney. You arrive at the main road with wonderful panoramic views. Crossing over the road, the walk descends through pinewoods to La Laja and then on asphalt for the transfer to San Sebastian where you return for your last nights accommodation. Ascent 1205m / Descent 1005m.

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast. Make your own way to the ferry port for Los Cristianos, Tenerife (included) and your onward journey.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch (day 7), 2 dinners (nights 5 & 6)
  • 10 nights accommodation in hotels, guesthouses & apartment on a twin share basis
  • One piece of luggage per person transferred between your accommodation, not exceeding 20kg
  • Information pack including route notes & maps (1 pack per room booked)
  • Emergency hotline
  • Return ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) to San Sabastian (La Gomera) when travelling both ways with the same ferry operator. There maybe a supplement if we have to purchase 2 one-way tickets.
  • GPX Files

  • 8 Dinners, lunches (unless specified) & beverages
  • Taxi transfers from and back to airports or elsewhere within La Gomera
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • Excess Luggage
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Suitability

moderate

3

We grade the tour as 'Moderate' (with some ‘challenging’ parts). However the walk should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking in hilly areas. Short sections of some walks may be vertiginous but if you are worried, consult our local reps for advice. It may be possible to get a lift part of the way. Day Stages: approx10 - 22 km per day, with ascents and descents of up to 1200 metres. 5 - 8 hours walking per day. On most walks there is the option of a lift part of the way for those feeling less energetic as your luggage will be transferred for you when moving to a new hotel.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Jan to 31 Dec (except Aug)

Notes

HS
Holiday Season
NB:
8-day itineraries available (code JG8 or JGS).
Note:
Easter & Christmas supplement applies.

Priceper person from

£1320GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • San Sebastian Parador Hotel SupplementGBP£160
  • Single SupplementGBP£270
  • San Sebastian Parador Hotel Single SupplementGBP£310
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£430
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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The ferry is usually the more reliable option to reach the island. Most UK & international flights go to Tenerife South airport, but the onwards flights to La Gomera go from Tenerife North airport. This is quite a drive away and flights can be cancelled due to windy weather. Normally if you have an early morning flight to Tenerife South you will be able to get to La Gomera on the same day by ferry, a return ticket is included.

You will see a scattering of walkers or runners on most days, but most of the walks are quiet until you get to the beaches.

La Gomera is a former volcanic island and many of the trails have been scraped into the rocks over the years. There is no scrambling, but certain sections are very steep often with rocky steps and black basalt sections, which in places can be slippery.

We have a local representative who can offer you advice and help but they will not necessarily be able to immediately drop their current responsibilities and meet you on the walk.

Yes, due to the steep ascents and descents. La Gomera is a mountainous island.

No, rain is restricted to a few days during the winter months. Note that when it does rain, it can be intense. However, the native Laurisilva vegetation can produce its own local humidity.

It can be too warm to walk in August and that's why we won't offer this trip then. But the rest of the year the temperatures are pleasant. Most of the year, you will need to protect yourselves from the sun.

The best and safest place for swimming are at the black-sand beaches of Valle Gran Rey, which you can reach on a 4-hr walk from Chipude on day 6.

La Gomera Walking Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.